Computer Glitch Allows Site Double Booking

Aberdeen Park, Recreation and Forestry officials in Aberdeen, S.D., intend to try to compensate campers who lost their camping spots at Wylie Park because a computer glitch caused the park to overbook.
Doug Johnson, department director, solicited the opinion on Wednesday (Jan. 7) of the Aberdeen Park, Recreation and Forestry Board on what should be done.
Camping reservations were halted Monday morning – the first day reservations could be made – after officials realized two of the six computers being used to book the reservations were not feeding into the main server. They’ve since resumed, according to The Aberdeen News.
The glitch led to some double booking of camping spots.
“The majority of the weekends we are able to accommodate. Cabins are the main problem,” Johnson said. “Those fill up very quickly.”
Johnson said preliminary numbers indicate about 20 cabins and one RV spot were overbooked for four weekends in June and July, including the Fourth of July.
“I’m thankfully surprised the numbers aren’t higher than that,” said Rob Keil, parks board member. “…Thankfully, we found out at 9:30 a.m. and not later than that.”
Those who booked the spots first will be given first preference; however, the others will be put on a waiting list, Johnson said. After discussions with the board, it was also decided that those impacted would be given a coupon for a free night’s stay at the campground or a voucher for a discount at a stay at a local hotel – the camper’s choice.
In addition, Johnson said the department might be able to offer some overflow camping options for those who weren’t able to get a spot. The full rate wouldn’t be charged.
“It would at least get them in the park,” he said.
Those who were affected will be contacted.